There’s something uniquely special about a K-pop idol who genuinely wears her heart on her sleeve — and TWICE’s Tzuyu just proved why ONCEs adore her so deeply. Her heartfelt Bubble message about an abandoned baby monkey named Punch has gone viral, and honestly? We’re not crying, you’re crying.
Who Is Punch (Panchi-kun)?
Punch-kun was born on July 26, 2025, at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan but was subsequently abandoned by his mother, who showed no interest in raising him. Due to the lack of a maternal figure, Punch-kun initially struggled with socializing, showing signs of anxiety and isolation. Zoo officials gave Punch-kun an orangutan plushie, which he began treating like a surrogate mother — keeping it close while navigating life inside the enclosure. Netflix Tudum
Videos of him clutching the plush for comfort racked up millions of views on social media, making the hashtag #HangInTherePunch trend worldwide. filmibeat
Learn more about Punch-kun’s full story on Wikipedia.
What Did Tzuyu Post on Bubble?
On February 16, TWICE’s Tzuyu took to her Bubble to share her emotions over Punch’s story, writing: “What is with that monkey Panchi in the zoo. My heart is broken. There’s that monkey that was abandoned by his mother when he was born. His name is Panchi. The zookeepers prepared a monkey doll so that he can get used to getting along with other monkey friends. But, he just keeps hugging it.”
That’s the kind of raw, unfiltered kindness that makes fans fall harder every single time.
Tzuyu Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Idol | TWICE’s Tzuyu |
| Platform | Bubble |
| Post Date | February 16, 2026 |
| Baby Monkey | Punch (Panchi-kun) |
| Zoo | Ichikawa City Zoo, Japan |
| Monkey’s Comfort Object | Orangutan plush toy |
How Fans Reacted
When the post hit the internet, fans flooded social media saying they had also been sobbing over Panchi’s story. They praised Tzuyu for her kind and sweet nature, with many calling her “just too pure.”
It’s moments like these that remind us why the bond between K-pop idols and their fans feels so personal and real. For more heartwarming K-pop moments and TWICE updates, check out TechnoSports K-pop coverage.
Beyond her group activities with TWICE, Tzuyu made her official solo debut in September 2024 with her first EP Aboutzu. Currently, she is participating in TWICE’s ongoing world tour THIS IS FOR, expected to conclude in June 2026.
Stay updated with her latest solo and group releases at TechnoSports.
FAQs
Q: Why did Tzuyu’s Bubble post about Punch go viral?
Q: Who is Punch the monkey and where does he live?
A: Punch is a baby Japanese macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan, who went viral for clinging to an orangutan plushie after being abandoned by his mother at birth.
